Tag: alternative energy

Alternative Energy Sources

The trend toward homes which are powered by alternative energy sources. Directly from wind power generators and solar collection cells to hydrogen fuel cells and biomass gasses. Is the one that needs to continue into the 21st century and beyond.

Renewable Fuels Mandate

The Germans have really taken off when it comes to renewable fuels sources. And have become one of the major players in the alternative energy game. Under the aegis of the nation’s electricity feed laws. The German people set a world record in 2006. By investing over $10 billion (US) in research, development. And implementation of wind turbines, biogas power plants, and solar collection cells.

Germany’s “feed laws” permit the German homeowners to connect to an electrical grid. Through some source of renewable energy and then sell back to the power company. Any excess energy produced at retail prices. This economic incentive has catapulted Germany into the number-one position among all nations. With regards to the number of operational solar arrays, biogas plants, and wind turbines.

The 50-terawatt hours of electricity produced by these renewable energy sources. Account for 10% of all of Germany’s energy production per year. In 2006 alone, Germany installed 100,000 solar energy collection systems.

Over in the US, the BP corporation has established an Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI). To spearhead extensive new research and development efforts. Into clean burning renewable energy sources, most prominently biofuels for ground vehicles.

BP’s investment comes to $50 million (US) per year over the course of the next decade. This EBI will be physically located at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The University is in partnership with BP, and it will be responsible for research and development of new biofuel crops, biofuel-delivering agricultural systems, and machines to produce renewable fuels in liquid form for automobile consumption.

The University will especially spearhead efforts in the field of genetic engineering with regard to creating the more advanced biofuel crops. The EBI will additionally have as a major focal point technological innovations for converting heavy hydrocarbons into pollution-free and highly efficient fuels.

Geothermal Energy

Also in the US, the battle rages on between Congress and the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). The GEA’s Executive Director Karl Gawell has recently written to the Congress and the Department of Energy, the only way to ensure that DOE and OMB do not simply revert to their irrational insistence on terminating the geothermal research program is to schedule a congressional hearing specifically on geothermal energy, its potential, and the role of federal research.

Furthermore, Gawell goes on to say that recent studies by the National Research Council, the Western Governors’ Association Clean Energy Task Force and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology all support expanding geothermal research funding to develop the technology necessary to utilize this vast, untapped domestic renewable energy resource. Supporters of geothermal energy, such as this writer, are amazed at the minuscule amount of awareness that the public has about the huge benefits that research and development of the renewable alternative energy source would provide the US, both practically and economically.

Geothermal energy is already less expensive to produce in terms of kilowatt-hours than the coal that the US keeps mining. Geothermal energy is readily available, sitting just a few miles below our feet and easily accessible through drilling. One company, Ormat, which is the third largest geothermal energy producer in the US and has plants in several different nations, is already a billion-dollar-per-year business—geothermal energy is certainly economically viable.

The sun’s energy or the solar energy is the most abundant form of energy available on earth. The sun is capable of giving us more than heat and light. The sun has been one of the biggest factors dictating every living being’s stay on the earth. If we go the right path, we can harness more of the solar energy, like generating power for daily use.

What are the advantages of solar energy?

• Green energy solution: When you look at the solar energy solution. You will realize that it uses absolutely no fuel. Other than the sun’s light. Moreover, it does not release into the atmosphere anything harmful.

• Cheapest power solution: First, the energy comes free. Then, the installation cost is a one-time cost. Finally, the investment is recovered within a few years of installation, making the power generated by solar energy absolutely free.

• The convenience of storage: You cannot store conventional power but you can store solar power for future use. The sun’s energy comes to rescue even in the times of darkness! Storing it also ensures a 24×7 supply of power, thus saving you from any power outage.

• Low on maintenance: The solar energy systems are easy to maintain. They do not involve high costs or too much effort, thus letting you reap the benefits of the solution comfortably.

How can solar power be used? Solar power can be used in our everyday lives by adopting the following solar power systems:

• Solar cooking system: Solar cooking is about cooking without lighting a fire or using electricity! Before you wonder, let me tell you that solar cooking is not about bland food. You can cook in more ways than one – boil, roast, or bake, cook the way you want! The only demand that solar cooking makes of you is being patient; it is a matter of more than a few minutes. However, it is not asking for too much given that you will get tasteful and healthy food. Without worrying about paying your gas or electricity bill.

• Solar lighting system: You can now light up the entire house. Use every electrical appliance without thinking about cutting down bills. The solar lighting system lights up your house even in the nights, thanks to the power storage feature it has.

• Solar heating system: You can keep your house cozy and warm using the solar heating system. Without worrying about costs.